If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
(Matthew 7:11)
It’s Mother’s Day! A day to celebrate our mothers, and all those women who bring meaning into our lives. We take a moment to celebrate mom’s sacrificial love, her tenderness, her guidance and her willingness to always put us first. Many will honor their mom today with a special card, a hug, flowers, chocolate, perfume, a special gesture such as breakfast in bed, or with that once in a lifetime memento. Take a moment to thank the Father who gave you such an incredible gift in your mother. You didn’t even ask, but He gave you one of the best mothers anyway. That's just who He is.
But wait, there are others for whom this day will be bittersweet. It’s a different kind of Mother’s Day, a Mother’s Day without mom. For some, the grief journey may have brought you to a place of acceptance and rest in God, but for others it may still be a painful day for you. You may feel alone, empty, angry at God, you might even still be actively grieving…but celebrate mom anyway. Yes, through your tears celebrate her. Remembering is a part of healing. So celebrate the essence of who she was; celebrate the memories, the laughter, the hugs and all the significant moments in-between. Celebrate the privilege of calling her mom. It was a privilege, right? Then tell your Father about her, what you miss the most..., honor her.
Then there are those for whom the name ‘mom’ triggers deep sadness; it triggers a sense of failure and rejection, a profound and utter sense of feeling unwanted and unloved. Mom may have chosen alcohol, drugs, or prostitution and life on the street, even herself over you. And while her choices reveal that life is complicated and that we live in a fallen world; and while those choices are tragic, they do not determine your worth to the One who loves you the most; the One who thinks you are the most incredible human being in the world; the One who declares you are beautifully and wonderfully made. He is the loving Father who today reminds you that He gives good gifts to those who ask him. So tell Him what you need.
I am reminded lastly, of a final group; the ones who suffer deeply and quietly. You have longed for a baby for many years, but your arms are still empty. Or perhaps you held your baby briefly, but your baby died. Mother’s Day brings up a torrent of emotions for you. Your heavenly Father says, “Be still, and rest in me. I will get you through this day. I am here. I am the One who makes not just this day, but every day worth living. Ask for what you need and do not get tired of asking. Seek me and you will find peace. Knock and watch me open the floodgates of heaven’s blessings on your behalf.”
So wherever this day finds you, whether in celebration or lament, take a moment to thank your heavenly Father for His faithfulness. Take a moment to thank Him for meeting you where you are; asking, seeking or knocking. He means what He says. He gives good gifts to those who ask.
Loving and Gracious God, thank you for those who perform the sacred role of mother. Thank you for my mother, I am deeply grateful for her today and every day. Thank you for mothers across the world. We commit them to you today with the understanding that it is a tougher world in which to raise children. So give them your Holy Word, your wisdom, your strength, your tenderness and your love. Draw close to those mothers and children who need your forgiving and comforting embrace today. Hold them in your everlasting arms and give them your peace. Amen.